Explore the latest updates in multiple myeloma, including expert interviews from major international congresses, podcasts and e-learning.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a cancer of the plasma cells, causing the overproduction of a particular type of immunoglobulin; most commonly IgG. Around 20% of people with myeloma will overproduce only the light chain, which is termed light chain myeloma. Even less common is the production of little or no immunoglobulin, called non-secretory myeloma.

The disease is characterized by the presence of abnormal antibodies in the serum or urine and increased plasma cells in the bone marrow.
Patients with smoldering myeloma, an early form of MM, exhibit slightly increased levels of M protein and plasma cells, but a lack of the typical symptoms of MM.

MM accounts for around 2% of all new cancer cases in the US and UK, and comprises approximately 10% of hematological malignancies. It typically affects more men than women and is more common in later life. The NIH reports that 49.6% of people diagnosed with MM survive for 5 years or more (based on data from SEER 18 2007-2013). Incidence rates of MM have gradually increased, for which many reasons could be speculated.